Other Classical Treatments
Abhyangam-This is a gentle but firm therapeutic oil massage during which 2 therapists work synchronized to activate body structures. Ayurvedic oils prepared with different combinations of herbs are selected on the basis of person’s body nature (Prakruti) or patient’s health condition. Oil is warmed up and used for gentle massage into the skin. Regular Abhyanga Delays aging, Removes fatigue, Pacifies Vata dosha, Improves eyesight, Induces longevity, Induces sleep, Provides resistance against disease, Improves complexion and luster of the skin, Provides resistance against injuries and gives power to recover quickly, Subsides ailments caused by Vatadosha and Kaphadosha, Increases physical strength.
Agni karma-Agnikarma is one of the para-surgical procedure in which heat is applied to the points in body afflicted by pain using Shalaka i.e., an instrument made up of Panchadhatu. Agnikarma is indicated disorders of Asthi (bone), Sandhi (joint) and Snayu (ligament/tendon) also in Arsha (Piles), Arbuda (tumour), Bhagandar (Fistula in ano), Sira- Snayu-Asthi- Sandhigata Vata Vikaras (Ligament injury, Tendonitis, joint pains) and Gridhrasi (Sciatiuca). Agnikarma is effective in conditions of acute pain, as well as chronic pain in conditions.
Bandha (Bandage)–Bandaging any part of the body is termed as Bandha. They are different names based on the site of bandaging. By doing bandage, the medicine applied will be held in one place, Prevent excess mobilization of the afflicted site, Stops bleeding, Stops spreading of Visha in poisonous bites and also Provides support to the affected structures.
Choorna pinda swedam (Podi kizhi)– Choorna/ Podi mean Powders of medicinal plants. Pinda/ kizhi means bolus. Sweda means fomentation or sudation. This is procedure of Swedana i.e., fomentation by using medicinal powder bolus which helps to reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness of the muscles. This procedure is indicated in swelling, Rheumatoid arthritis, Muscular spasm, Cervical spondylitis, Lumbar spondylitis, Paralysis and also in sprains and cramps.
Dhanya pinda swedam (Dhanya kizhi/ Muthirakizhi)– Dhanya means grains, Pinda/ kizhi means bolus and Sweda means fomentation or sudation. So Dhanyamla pinda sweda literally means Swedana or Fomentation with the help of a Potali (Bolus) containing seeds of medicinal plants. Treatment is done in such a way that the Bolus is made to have sudden contact over each adjacent part of the body for a fraction of seconds, so that ample heat is transferred to patient’s body through grains. This is indicated inArthritis, Involuntary Painful contractions of Muscles.
Dhanyamla dhara (Kaadi dhara)– is a special type of treatment explained in Ayurveda in which fermented liquid obtained after fermenting cereals and other medicinal herbs is poured over the body of patient in monitored streams for a fixed duration of time. This treatment is extensively used in clinical practices for effectively treating inflammatory diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis and also Vata disorders having an association of morbid kapha and or ama (toxic products formed as a result of faulty metabolism). It relieves pain, stiffness and swelling associated with arthritis and other painful conditions. Indicated in all Musculo-skeletal disorders, Neurological disorders and neuromuscular disorders.
Dhanyamla pinda swedam (Dhanyamla kizhi)– Dhanyamla is the fermented liquid made of grains, Pinda is bolus and swedam means inducing sudation. In this, bolus made of medicinal powders is dipped in fermented liquid and applied over the body of patient in monitored strokes for a fixed duration of time. This treatment is extensively used in clinical practices for effectively treating inflammatory diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis and also Vata disorders having an association of morbid kapha and or ama (toxic products formed as a result of faulty metabolism). Indications include Musculoskeletal disorders, Inflammatory conditions, Disorders of Vata, Kapha, Vata-Kapha and Ama.
Dhoomapanam– Dhoomapana mentioned in Dinacharya (Daily Regimen). In this, herbs or herbal powders are burnt in fire and the smoke is inhaled. This treatment makes the head, respiratory system and sense organs clean and healthy. Dhoomapanam is an ideal treatment for bronchial asthma, sinusitis, upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Part of vitiated kapha situated in the head is eliminated very fast by smoking. The smoke helps to dry the excessive mucous, and also lowers pain-causing inflammations of the sinus cavities and respiratory tract. It prevents the onset of diseases of the parts above the shoulders, arising from increased kapha and Vata.
Gandoosha– or Oil pulling where mouth is filled with medicated decoctions or oil at its maximum capacity for some time and then spitted out. This process is good for diseases of ear, mouth, throat and eyes, Increased saliva secretion, Nausea, Tastelessness, Facial paralysis, Neck rigidity, Disorders of head, Stomatitis, to achieve Improved voice quality and complexion, Prevents diseases of mouth, lips and dental diseases.
Greeva vasti– Retention of medicated oil on a ring made using dough of black gram over the cervical region which is retained for a specific time duration. When the oil is cooled it is replaced with warm oil. This helps to reduces pain and inflammation, improves degeneration of the cervical vertebra, Increases the flexibility of the cervical joints and also improves the strength of the neck muscles. Treatment is indicated in conditions likeCervical spondylitis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Fibromyalgia, Neck Stiffness.
Kativasti– Retention of medicated oil in the Low back region for about 30-45 minutes, inside a ring made of the paste of black gram. The cooled oil should be replaced with warm oil using gauze piece, so that the temperature of the oil is maintained. This improves the strength of the muscles of the low back region, reduce the inflammation of the lumbar nerves, Increase the flexibility of the lumbar vertebrae and Reduce the compression of the nerves if the dics space is reduced. Indicated in Low back Pain, Spondylitis, Spondylosis, Sciatica, Spinal Dislocation, Muscle sprain, Fibromyalgia, Scoliosis, Lordosis.
Kayaseka– Pouring medicated warm oil from specific height all over body continuously for a stipulated period. It is best indicated in Neuro muscular disorder, fractures, dislocation of joints, peripheral neuropathy, sprain.
Lepam– Application of medicated paste over local body parts. It should be removed using warm water once the paste gets dried. This subsides localized inflammations, Improves strength and tone of muscles, Improves colour and tone of skin. This procedure is best indicated in Sprain, Swelling, Pain, Discolouration, Skin diseases, Tendonitis, Muscular fasciitis and Carpel tunnel Syndrome.
Mukha lepam– Topical Application of thick medicated paste on the face. The paste should be removed once it gets dried, by using warm water. Improves colour and lustre of the face, Remove discolouration and tan, Makes skin smooth and soft. Procedure is indicated in Acne Vulgaris, White Patches, Dry Skin, Blackish discolouration, Bacterial Infections, Scar Marks.
Netra prakshalanam– Medicated Decoctions are poured into the eyes from medial canthus and allows to flow towards lateral canthus, thereby cleaning the eye. This help to remove dead cells in and around eyes, removes dirt, dust and toxins from the eyes, removes accumulated Kapha dosha which may block the channel if it is imbalanced and keeps the sclera (White of the eye) clear and shiny. Indicated in Myopia, Hypermetropia, Conjunctivitis, Cataract, Stye, Blepharitis, Internal hordeolum, External Hordeolum, Meibomitis and Dacryocystis.
Netra tarpanam– In the early hours of morning or evening, the patient is made to lie on a flat surface. Dough of height 3 centimeter is made around the orbit of eyes using barley and black gram powder. Keeping the eyes closed, Medicated ghee or oil is liquefied and poured over the eyes upto the level of eyelashes. Then the patient is asked to open the eyes slowly. This improves clarity of vision and tone of eye muscles, Improves functioning of optic nerve and trigeminal nerve, Removes the dirt inside the eyes and removes strain.
Pichu– Application of a layer of cotton pad dipped in warm medicated oil over local body parts, the temperature of the cotton is maintained. This remove localized inflammation, Strengthening the muscles and tendons of the affected part. Pichu is indicated in Frozen Shoulder, Carpel Tunnel syndrome, Tendonitis, Fracture and dislocation, Muscular Fasciitis, Sprain, Tennis elbow, Bursitis, Golfers elbow and local stress.
Patra Pinda Sweda ( ELAKIZHI) – Elakizhi is effective for various kinds of arthritis, spondylitis, back pain, sports injuries and for all other soft tissue inflammations especially joint pains.The massage promotes better circulation within the affected area, induces perspiration which helps the skin to eliminate wastes. Herbs are used . (Fresh leaves) of anti Vata plants, such as Eranda (Ricinus communis), Arka (Calotropis Procera), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Coconut leaves, lemon and curcumin are fried with herbal ingredients and tied into cloth boluses. These are dipped into warm medicated oil and used for massaging the body.
Shirodhara – Shirodhara is a classical and a well-established ayurvedic procedure of slowly and steadily dripping medicated oil or other liquids on the forehead. This procedure induces a relaxed state of awareness that results in a dynamic psycho-somatic balance.
Shirovasthy – A bandage is tied around the patient’s head and an open-headed cap is secured. Then medicated oil, warmed to body temperature is poured into this cap and allowed to soak into the scalp. This oil is retained on the head for around 30 to 45 minutes as per each individual’s body type. Sirovasthi is ideal for: Insomnia., Bell’s palsy, Neurological & Mental disorders ,Headache ,Stress.
Shiro lepa (Tala potichil)– Smearing of Medicated paste over head followed by wrapping head with specific leaves. It should be kept for 30-45 minutes depending on the condition of the patient. It is one of the comprehensive treatments for diseases of Central Nervous System. It also improves memory and concentration, relieves stress and tension, provides good sleep and reduce hair fall. Indicated in Paralysis, Sleep disorder, Psychiatric disorders, Nervous disorders, Autism, ADHD, Dandruff, Parkinsonism, Alzheimer’s disease and Facial paralysis.
Shastikashali Pinda sweda (Njavarakizhi)– A generous amount of medicated oil is applied to the whole body and then the body is massaged with small cotton cloth boluses filled with cooked Njavara rice. The boluses are dipped in this regenerating mixture of cow’s milk and a brewed herbal decoction, and then applied all over the body to induce sudation (sweat). This procedure is highly rejuvenating, nourishing. It enhances physical consistency, strengthens the nervous system and improves the overall appearance of the skin.
Takra Dhara – Thakradhara is similar to shirodhara treatment. This therapy means – thakra means buttermilk; dhara means pouring.Medicated buttermilk poured on patient’s forehead. Takradhara is an excellent cure for chronic Insomnia, psoriasis and other pitta aggravated diseases.
UDWARTHANAM – This treatment is the special therapeutic deep tissue massage or Ayurvedic body scrub. The udwarthanam treatment is a refreshing full body massage where herbal powder (choornam) is used instead of oil. Depending upon the requirement of the treatment, powder is applied accordingly. It last for 30 to 45 minutes. This treatment is best to alleviate diseases like obesity, diabetic neuropathy, paralysis, skin care, sciatica, sclerosis of blood vessels, and many others..
Valuka swedam – Valuka means Purified sand, Pinda means a bolus. Sweda means Fomentation or sudation.The swedana karma or sudation therapy which is given by using a bolus which is prepared by the processed sand is called as Valuka Sweda. Rheumatoid Arthritis,Muscular spasm,Back pain,Muscular sprain ,Muscle stiffness.